His Holiness Karekin II Meets Governor of Istanbul
On June 23, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, visited Mr. Muammer Gьler, Governor of Istanbul, at the governor’s office. His Holiness was accompanied by His Beatitude Archbishop Mesrob Mutafian, Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople; His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern); Mr. Karen Mirzoyan, Representative of the Republic of Armenia in Turkey; and Mr. Bedros Shirinoghlu, Chairman of the Pontifical Visit Committee.
The Catholicos of All Armenians expressed his happiness to be in Istanbul through the joint invitation of the Ecumenical Patriarch and the Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople, and noted his pleasure to have the opportunity to closely know the Armenian community of Istanbul.
In his remarks, His Holiness Karekin II stated his awareness of the achievements of the Armenian community of Istanbul in its national and spiritual life. His Holiness also noted that there are certain issues which exist in the Armenian community related to properties and educational matters, and expressed his hope that they will find their positive solutions.
Governor Gьler welcomed the visit of the Pontiff of All Armenians to Istanbul, and conveyed his hope that the relations between the Armenian and Turkish peoples will improve.
At the conclusion of the meeting, His Holiness Karekin II, reflecting on the relations between the two peoples, confirmed that the Armenian people have the same desires to see them improved and stressed his conviction that relations will progress based on the principles of justice.
During the meeting, they also discussed matters related to the Pontifical Visit of the Catholicos of All Armenians and the activities of the governor’s office.
